The Evolution and Rich History of Steel Drums and Steelbands

When the captivating sound of steel drums fills the air, it's hard not to become entranced by the infectious rhythms and melodies. Originating from the beautiful islands of Trinidad and Tobago, steel drums and steelbands have a long and fascinating history that has propelled them to become some of the most iconic musical instruments in the world.

A Brief

Steel drums, also known as steelpans, are unique musical instruments made from recycled oil drums. The development of steel drums can be traced back to the late 1930s, when the Afro-Caribbean community in Trinidad and Tobago began experimenting with different percussion instruments.

What started as a creative way to repurpose discarded oil drums soon evolved into a phenomenon that would shape the cultural heritage of the islands. The unique nature of steel drums stems from their ability to produce a full range of musical notes, making them versatile enough to play melodies in addition to providing rhythmic beats.

Steel Drums and Steelbands: A History

by Angela Smith (Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10529 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages

FREE

The birth of Steelbands

The birth of steelbands, the ensembles that play steel drums, can be attributed to the ingenuity and resilience of the Trinbagonian people. In the early days, steelbands were considered illegal due to their association with gangs and street violence. Nevertheless, the passion for creating music with steel drums prevailed, and as time went on, steelbands started to gain acceptance and recognition in society.

One of the turning points in the history of steelbands was the British military's ban on drumming during Carnival festivities in the 1940s. This ban forced musicians to find alternative instruments, leading them to discover the potential of steel drums in creating unique sounds and tones.

With each passing year, steelbands gained popularity and began participating in various music competitions. The competition aspect led to constant innovation and improvements in the instrument's design and playing techniques. By the 1960s, steelbands and their talented musicians were captivating audiences both locally and internationally.

Steel Drums: From Local Phenomena to Global Recognition

Steel drums gained global recognition in the 1950s when Trinidadian musician Rudolph Charles founded the Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, the first steelband to tour internationally. Their performances throughout Europe and the United States introduced the world to the enchanting sounds of the steel drums, sparking a growing interest in the instrument.

Over time, steelbands started to emerge worldwide, with enthusiastic musicians forming their own groups and spreading the joy of steel drums to different corners of the globe. Despite originating from a relatively small Caribbean nation, steel drums were quickly becoming a symbol of unity and cultural pride.

Revitalizing Cultural Heritage

As steel drums gained popularity globally, the instrument and steelbands played a significant role in revitalizing the cultural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago. The government recognized the cultural and economic potential of steelbands and provided support for their development.

Today, steelbands are an integral part of Trinidad and Tobago's identity, featured prominently in Carnival celebrations and other cultural events. The country's commitment to preserving and promoting its musical heritage has paved the way for generations of talented musicians to showcase their skills and continue innovating in the world of steel drums.

The journey of steel drums and steelbands, from humble beginnings to international acclaim, is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and passion of the Trinbagonian people. These captivating instruments have not only left an indelible mark on the music world but have also become powerful symbols of cultural identity.

With their enchanting melodies and infectious rhythms, steel drums continue to transcend cultural boundaries, bringing people together and reminding us of the power of music to unite and inspire.

Steel Drums and Steelbands: A History

by Angela Smith (Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10529 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages

FREE

Steel Drums and Steelbands: A History is a vivid account of the events that led to the “accidental” invention of the steel drum: the only acoustic musical instrument invented in the 20th century. Angela Smith walks readers through the evolution of the steel drum from an object of scorn and tool of violence to one of the most studied, performed, and appreciated musical instruments today. Smith explores the development of the modern steelband, from its roots in African slavery in early Trinidad to the vast array of experiments in technological innovation and to the current explosion of steelbands in American schools. The book offers insights directly from major contributors of the steelband movement with sections devoted exclusively to pioneers and innovators.

Drawing on seven years of research, repeated trips to the birthplace of the steel drum, Trinidad, and interviews with steelband pioneers, Smith takes readers far beyond the sunny associations of the steel drum with island vacations, cruise ships, and multiple encores of “Yellow Bird.” Digging deep into Trinidad’s history—a tale of indigenous extermination and African slavery, of French settlement and Spanish and British colonialism before mid-century independence—Smith weaves an unforgettable narrative of talking drums, kalinda stick fights, tamboo bamboo bands, iron bands, calypso, Carnival, and the U. S. military. Together, all played major roles in the evolution of today’s steelband and in the panman’s journey from renegade to hero in the steelband’s move from the panyards of Trinidad’s poorest neighborhoods to the world’s most prestigious concert halls. The reader will discover how an instrument created by teenage boys, descendants of African slaves, became a world musical phenomena. Steel Drums and Steelbands is the ideal to the steel drum, steelbands, and their history.